September 23 -- Soccer season and the SHC are over. The antibiotics have run their course. I'm even over the flu. So no more excuses. Today: 5 miles, run/walk mix, 1:06:21

September 26 -- 5 miles, run/walk mix, 1:05:24

September 28 -- Mowed the entire lawn (front, back, and side) in 3 1/2 hours,stopping only to clear pine cones. The half-marathon will take about 3 hours, so making my brain and body go that long is big.

October 3 -- Made it almost six miles before getting hit -- HARD -- by cramps. Felt like my liver was trying to crawl out of the scar where my chest tube used to be. Walked back. Total time about 84 minutes. Gatorade is my friend.

October 5 -- Finally finished a 7-mile bustle. 1:31:39

October 8 -- I moved all 7 miles, but had hydration issues the last 1 1/4. Cramps, some joint stiffness, and my face falling asleep made for a slower-than-good time. One more week of 7's before I try a 9. 1:41:09